Various artists “The Ultimate Grammy Collection” ***
TO celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grammy Awards, Shout Factory has collaborated with the Recording Academy to compile a seven-CD series featuring winners from pop, R&B, country and rock. The first two installments are in stores today, and they’re contemporary pop and contemporary R&B. These discs have the biggest names and memorable songs of their individual genres, making them top mixed discs. But without chronology, they lack a sense of history. The set also misses a major trick by not featuring “Best New Artist” winners on a disc of their own.
Download: Madonna’s “Ray of Light.”
The Paschall Brothers “On the Right Road” ***
Getting to church isn’t any easier on Sunday, but Virginia’s Paschall Brothers found a shortcut to higher ground with their new disc of roots gospel. With a vocal style reminiscent of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Paschall clan has exact harmonies and smooth pure tones. No matter what your faith, this band lets you see the light – but deliver yourself from awful by hitting the skip button when the Brothers sing “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Download: “Ease My Troublin’ Mind.”
The Pack “Based Boys” ****
On this album, this rap quartet finds its power in beats, leather boots and booty calls. While their bottom-heavy style is out of style, the Pack’s raps remain seriously catchy. The beat demands that you “shake your ass” – or at least that’s what the Pack would have you do in the song, “At the Club.” Rapping about footwear is one of the oddities of hip-hop, and the Pack makes its contribution with the tune “Vans,” in which the band waxes poetic about Vans boots.
Download: “In My Car”
Mudvayne “By the People, for the People” ** 1/2
On their greatest hits collection, these alt hard rockers let their fans do the choosing (by Internet vote) about what would and wouldn’t be included. The metal is heavy, and fans will enjoy the assault of “Dig” and the well-trodden paths of “Death Bloom” and “World So Cold.” On first listen, it’s also interesting to hear the thoughtful spoken introductions by singer Chad Gray. The most unusual and downloadable tune is the band’s cover of the Police classic “King of Pain.”